Garmin Rino 530HCx

[Siskiyou]

The other day a friend told me that he was going to order his second Rino gps/radio.  It was like chumming for fish, and I took the bait.  Yesterday I order a Garmin Rino 530HCx.  My current plan is to purchase a 2GB Micro SD card for it.  I can install the maximum number of topo maps the program allows on this card.  I already have City Navigator along with U.S. Topo installed on two other gps units.  I will use those units as an automotive gps. 

If a hunting partner does not have a gps I can equip him with one for a hunt and the standard FRS/GMRS radio can communicate with the Rino, but the Peer-to-Peer positioning will only work with other Rino radios.

Last night I downloaded the manual to my hard drive and started studying.  While the unit shares many Garmin gps features, it also has the radio features, and features that are new to me because of the radio/gps interface. 

I have had the itch to buy another gps, and the Rino series fits my needs.  While Garmin has come out with the new Colorado handheld gps units they have not excited me because my 76C and 76Cx cover my pure gps needs.

I am looking forward to receiving the new unit.  One of the biggest benefits of the unit is getting out and doing a lot of walking while learning the unit’s features.  The “old” friend and hunting partner plan a visit in July.  If it goes as plan we will look for a number of geocaches using the new units.  Geocaching is a practice field exercise in gps use, and makes the learning process interesting.

When it comes time to go out fishing in the boat I will fall back on the 76Cx unit, which is designed to float, the 530HCx will stay home.

I know there are a number of Rino users out there; do you have any hints regarding the use of a Rino radio?

http://www8.garmin.com/rino/

While the unit does not display Aerial photos the installed mapping software will work for me.  Recently a friend sent me with two Lat/Longs taken from his Garmin Rino 530C.  He asked me to put them on a map for him.  Rather then put it on my old version of Map Source Topo USA, I put them on a map using USGS State Series Topo USA. 

I was not able to e-mail the map directly from the software, so I scanned the map in my scanner-copier and e-mailed it. 

I next went to Google Earth and entered the Lat/Long information and marked the locations (waypoints) with pins.  My friend is very satisfied with the map and the Google image, and plans on making use of the items in the future.

Note:  Look around and you can find the unit about at a much lower price.  If you pay full price you have paid too much.

[Siskiyou]

Checked on the net and the new 530HCx has been shipped.  The problem with getting a new tool there are always needed accessories.  I am currently following up on four accessories.

1.   I am looking to buy three 2GB Micro SD cards, two for my buddy, and one for me.  Unless on sale a lot of stores are asking around $29.00.  But I just looked at an ad that puts the price around $13.00.  The problem is that I will not be in that area until the price runs out, but it will not hurt to ask.  If not I will order them from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-2GB-microSD-Memory-Package/dp/B000NIX2MM/ref=pd_rhf_f_t_k2a_1 
2.   The 530HCx comes with a re-chargeable lithium battery; I will order a battery pack so I can use AA batteries of various types.  The re-chargeable lithium is okay for one day hunting and camping but I cannot plug it into the nearest Fir tree when my day extends longer then the battery life. 
3.   The next thing I explored was a 12v power source for the 530HCx.  In an earlier topic 12v power source for gps units were discussed.  I was disappointed to find out that currently there is not a cheaper alternative then buying one from Garmin.  I started checking Garmin 12v power cord part numbers and found there is a difference.  I then called Gilsson Technology from whom I have purchased gps accessories before at considerable savings.  The helpful person there checked the books and said that was an item that had to be purchased from Garmin.  The power cord has a unique Garmin plug.  To save a few bucks option three will have to wait.  The logic being that I can use re-chargeable AA batteries while on the road.  If the accessories become available at a later date I will reconsider.  My over all plan was to continue using my other units for vehicle navigation and I have an external power cable for them. I will be looking at Wal Mart and other sources, there just might be a 12v phone cord that will work.
4.   Last but not least is a carrier for the 530HCx.  Back in my field days I was issued heavy-duty belt case for the radio, or a nice chest pack.  Gilsson makes a nice case for early model Rino’s but do not listed one for the 530HCx. http://www.gilsson.com/images/RRNlarge.jpg  I preferred to protect my gps units, and radio’s.  I’ll take a look around for cases but for my gps units I have defaulted for padded camera cases with a belt loop and strap.  I normally carry a small notebook, pencil, and extra batteries along with the unit in the case.  This has worked out very good for me.  My buddy is purchasing a shield for the screen on my new unit.  I am rather protective about my equipment, I was in the process of loaning a gps to a friend and he said he did not want the case that went along with.  I told him no problem, no case, no gps!  http://www.coaxsher.com/radio_chest_harness_rcp_1_pro.html

[Siskiyou]

I missed the first sale on new 2GB Micro SD cards because of lucky timing.  The cost of gas limits any extra driving around now days.  After the first sale we had an appointment down the hill and when I checked the morning paper I found an ad for 2GB, micro sd cards $10.99.  I keep repeating MICRO SD cards because a number of users having been told MICRO SD but still buy the standard SD card and they will not work.  When I return home I pre-loaded the card with topo maps.

The timing of the delivery of the 530HCx by UPS was good.  The good part was that I was at work and would not be home until after midnight. I had downloaded the manual earlier from the Garmin website so I was some what prepared.  The battery needed to be charged before I could play with the unit.  I hooked up the charger, which has two parts.  Part #1 slips over the back of the battery into recessed grooves on the sides.  Part#1 has contacts that correspond with battery charger contact on the base of the battery.  Part#1 takes a round power pin from the cord supplied with the AC adapter.  The user then plugs the AC adapter into a power source.  I did this while the battery was still on the unit.  At the start of charging an indicator came up on the screen showing the battery having a seven percent charge.

Once I ordered the unit I went to the Garmin support page and downloaded the Quick Start Guide, and the manual to the hard drive on my computer. I read these ahead of time hopefully to get a running start when the unit arrived.  It is a good thing I read them both because some information is duplicated, but the Quick Start Guide is where you need to start because that is where you find the information on setting up the battery charger.  The Quick Start Guide is user friendly.  A link to the unit Quick Start Guide
http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/Rino520HCx_QuickReferenceGuide.pdf

Having owned a few Garmin GPS units I kind of speak the Garmin Handheld dialect.  But a few terms have been added to my vocabulary because I have never own a Rino before.  The new terminology comes about when you combine a gps unit with a GMRS/FRS radio and write software that allows user A to user B.  In this case I will name user A, Siskiyou and user B, Junior.  I created an icon for Siskiyou and it will show up on the screen of Junior radio.  Junior has to accept my contact.  The menu on the unit is programmed to accept up to 50 CONTACTS. 

You can operate without using the contact option but I think it is neat for a hunting party equipped with Rino radios to take advantage of this option.  Rino radios will communicate with other common GMRS/FRS radios using the same frequency and tone.  But the position locating ability will not work with a none Rino radio. 

The advantage is that I can still equip family members, or friends with my old radios and have common communications.

More on features in a later post.

When I fired up the unit the first time it quickly obtained a Satellite lock.  Far faster then earlier models I own.  Setting at my dinning room table accuracy was down to seven (7) feet.  This kind of accuracy under a roof and within the walls of a home is pleasing.  The function buttons operate a little different but similar to my other units.  Frankly the toughest button to operate is the on/off button, which in located between the gps and radio antenna.  I like the feature because the radio is not getting turned on and off accidentally.

The BAD news!  I had pre-loaded and tested a Micro SD card using the card reader in my computer using the SD adapter that comes with the Micro SD card.  The 530HCx would not display the maps.  I re-formatted the card, and installed it in the back of the radio under the battery.  I went to Map Source and selected US TOPO, I selected a large set of maps and started the process of loading the mapset to the gps using the mini-usb/usb cord.  I went to information page in the unit and it showed that it had received the maps, but they would not display on the screen.

My next step was to re-format the card and load just a few maps to the card using the USB/mini USB cord.  I loaded about half the state of California and the unit would display them.  I was not satisfied with the results; I should be able to load most of the Western United States.

I called the Garmin Support number and had about a 20-minute wait.  I have come to expect this so I played with my computer while waiting.  Support working from a script had me connect to Map Source US Topo and do a transfer.  The problem was that Support was satisfied when I loaded four or five maps.  In his world my problem was solved.  I played the game and went back to trying to load three or four Western States.  This amount uses only a small portion of the card space.  Again the maps failed to display.

I again call Garmin Support and had a 3 or4 minute wait.  I explain my problem, and prior contact with Support.  I also asked for an approval number, and address to return the unit to Garmin.  I was provided the number, and other information.  They ask for the serial number which is located under the battery pack, and if I had a receipt for purchase.  Support asked for my name and address so they can ship me a new radio.

Summary:  I am frustrated because the unit did not work correctly out of the box.  Pre-reading the Quick Start Guide and Manual was helpful.  The Quick Start Guide is printed on a treated paper, which should hold up good in the field. 

I believe I know a little about loading maps to cards and units but in this case I failed.  I am looking forward to receiving a new unit.  I believe the problem is with the circuit board heating up when transferring a large map set.  This does not happen when transferring just a few maps.

I also believe that my friend Junior is using me as a lab rat to sort out issues before he receives his 530HCx. 


 

[Siskiyou]

Quick update!  I received a replacement unit back from Garmin Support; they have my thanks.  I had the same issue with the replacement unit but found the problem was with the three new Kingston 2GB Micro SD cards and not the 530HCx. 

My wife came up with a suggestion, which I tried, and it worked on two of the Kingston cards.  I will try the other one later.  A real clue came when I tried the 128MB Sand Disk Micro SD card from my cellphone and it worked.  I reformatted the Sand Disk card, selected a set of maps, and filled it up using the Mini USB to USB cable.

A good example of quality support from Garmin.

I am pleased enough I ordered a c550 automotive gps on closeout.  More on that one later!

Junior is ordering his 530HCx now that the Lab Rat says he likes it.

[Siskiyou]

June 17, 2008

****------ Rating today 4 stars our of 10.

I normally rate Garmin gps units rather high but at this time I cannot rate the Rino 530HCx very high. 

There are two clearcut reasons it gets a low rating from me.

1.   I have tried to load 4 different 2GB micro SD cards with approximately 1700 to 1900 Map Source US Topo maps.  I have loaded the chips using the card reader on my computer and the two 530HCx gps units will not recognize them.  I have also tried loading the cards directly from the computer to the two 530HCx and the unit will not recognize the maps that have been loaded to the chip.  I am not close to the limit Garmin says the units will recognize.

As a check I have taken the following path, Main Menu>Setup>System>and Card Info and view the card information stored card.  It shows the information is there but it does not display it.

My next check was to install the card in my Garmin 76Cx and the full number of maps display.

My third, check was to load Map Source on my computer desk to download the maps back to the desktop.  All the maps are present.

When I limit my map download to the chip using the Mini USB to USB cable to a small portion of Oregon, NV, and the full State of California the 530HCx successfully displays the maps.

2.   My second gripe with the unit is how the Micro SD is retained in the unit.  Most likely it is was designed for a very limited number of cycles.  With my efforts exceeding the design it failed. 

The retainer is a small tray cover that swings up and the contacts on the Micro SD card and placed in position to touch the contacts in the unit.  The tray cover then slide to the rear of the unit locking the card in place.  My wife had purchased me two additional Micro SD cards to try because the first three cards I had tried where of the same brand.  The thinking was the problem was the card, and not the unit. 

The tray cover is located under the battery.  When I removed the battery which is on top of the tray cover to try a new card the tray cover fell out on the carpet.  Fortunately for me my wife has a lighted magnifying glass that she used for her hobbies and fixing my toys.  She was able to get it reassembled.

As a colored gps unit it is great and gives me accuracy under cover down to 7-feet.  I will need to conduct more field test to see how it truly measures up, but from the gps side it is the best so far, and it is the only reason I give it 4-stars.

I have been to busy to give the radio side of the unit a true workout, and that will come with time.  It receives weather radio loud and clear, and I been able to monitor some other traffic.

Junior has received his and I am waiting to receive feed back from him.  The limited number of US Topo maps I loaded for him are recognized by his 530HCx.

At this point if I was to head for the Rockies I would have to load another card with maps rather then use my current 2GB card, which has only 4% of its space in use. 

Should the radio side of this unit function as advertised the overall rating might go up to a seven out of ten stars.  But the failure to draw maps stored on the card issue will keep the over all rating down and I have not address the down grade caused by the flimsy tray cover.